Top 10 Arsenal centre-backs of all time - will Mertesacker join this list of greats?

With a club record of 772 appearances between 1975 and 1993, O'Leary was not only a loyal servant through thick and thin, but also a top class centre back. A composed, solid presence at the back, O'Leary's rangy frame helped him glide across the pitch, while picking up two league titles, two FA Cups and two League Cups during his impressive Highbury career

Arsenal's German centre-back Per Mertesacker has admitted to struggling in the Premier League since his arrival at the north London club from Werder Bremen, but the 6ft 6in defender is adamant the best is yet to come, saying: "It's getting better and better and hopefully I can keep improving now. Let me play a season and you can get [the full picture] of my personality and my ability as a footballer."

For much of the club's illustrious history, the Gunners have been renowned for their ability to keep it tight at the back, thanks in no small part to the brilliant array of centre backs that have pulled on the famous red shirt. Here, talkSPORT reveals our pick of Arsenal's 10 best centre-backs of all time.

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Disagree with our selections? Do you think Mertesacker will join this list of greats? Why not let us know by commenting below, or contacting us on Twitter @talkSPORT